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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






2. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






3. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






4. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






5. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






6. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






7. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






8. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






9. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






10. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






11. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






12. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






13. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






14. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






15. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






16. A set of four musicians who perform a composition written for four parts.






17. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






18. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






19. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






20. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






21. The distance in pitch between two notes.






22. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






23. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






24. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






25. A symbol indicating to play loud.






26. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






27. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






28. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






29. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






30. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






31. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






32. Unmusical - without tone.






33. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






34. A reprise.






35. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






36. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






37. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






38. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






39. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






40. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






41. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






42. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






43. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






44. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






45. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






46. The structure of a piece of music.






47. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






48. Indicating speed.






49. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






50. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.